Thank yu for sharing! I've got a new inspiration from one of the pics! Seeing the black tray used in one of the pics on that website as a small pond gave me the idea to use my tub as the catch basin for a fountain I made out of a concrete leaf. I have a plastic tub in my greenhouse that I have used to hold potting soil. It was from Home Depot and was originally made to mix concrete in. I had a lovely concrete bowl that I used as the catch basin of my fountain, but the bowl broke in half over the winter last year and everything I've found to replace it is at least $100. I'm going to try and re-do my fountain today using that bin and see if it works out! Thanks for the great website...and the inspirationb!

Not sure if the OP is advertising, but I will say that I've actually ordered samples from South Cypress -- they were very helpful, prompt, and credited me immediately when there was a shortage. Haven't made a full order, so I can't say. The first page in the gallery is Marazzi (Bill, your least favorite!) but if you keep scrolling, you'll see other brands (Interceramic, Daltile, etc.), and real stone.

How fun! I love Disneyland and we go almost every year. Here are some things to consider: 1. Rides for your 7 yr old: Don't worry, nothing goes upside down. Check the height requirements online to see what he's tall enough for. I would skip the big fast ones like space mountain to start. My younger DD is sort of timid about rides and at that age the only faster ride we could get her on was the Thunder Mountain Railroad. It's fast, but in reality pretty tame as roller coasters go. Then she warmed up a little and we tried other things. She was okay w/Pirates (she is fine w/that one, but does NOT like the haunted mansion) so I still think that's worth a try--it's played more for laughs than it used to be. You can play spot Jack Sparrow. Kids this age love the Autopia cars (get a Fastpass for sure) and the Astroblasters in tomorrowland. The Indiana Jones ride is lots of fun, and not scary in terms of the ride aspects, but can be scary in terms of the "theme", as it seems you are in jeopardy. You mentioned he was timid about high fast rides--this isn't really, but it can be scary as a "story". DD is scared of Splash Mountain too, so I'd skip that one. And in Cal Adventure, the best ride of all (a must) is Soarin' Over California. Get the fastpass. I have not seen the new Carsland there, but I'm sure a 7 yr old boy would love it. Kid rides tend to have slow lines, though, so try those early while waiting for your fastpass return for Soarin'. For your 3 yr old: Hang out in Fantasyland. Our favorites are Peter Pan, Dumbo, and It's a Small World. Steer clear of Snow White, which seems to scare everyone, in spite of it being a "kid" ride. Your son would also enjoy the Fantasyland rides. As was mentioned before, you can avoid the characters if you want, so no worries. Lots of young kids don't like them. I have not spent much time in Toontown, but it might be worth a look as well. Another fun ride for young kids is the Nemo submarine one. That has a slow line, though. Timing-wise, Fantasyland gets SLOW, so pick up a fastpass for something such as Autopia, then do Nemo, then head to Fantasy land. I agree w/others to leave the park for a rest in the afternoon, then go back at/after dinner. Food: I think the Blue Bayou always looks so fun, but the one time we went it was disappointing. For regular kid-friendly food, we like the Hungry Bear restaurant. It always seems to have seats, and it's next to the river. We also like the French Market in New Orleans square. These are fast places--not full table service. We don't always watch the parades (sacrilege, I know) so I have no advice for you there. We did see the World of Color and enjoyed it, but had to stand for the majority. It looks like the Howard Johnson is about one-quarter mile north of the main park entrance, so a little walk, but not bad. I hope you have a lovely trip!

Florida or California? I can never keep them straight. I used to bring my own stroller, but now I rent the double stroller on the park site. Much easier taking the bus or whatever, to the park. And it has a great shade to keep sun off. And they are easier for a kid to take a catnap in. Went to Orlando parks in May. Hot weather, and the big thing to sell are the little mister-fan-bottle-things. Take my advice: buy it at Target before you go! The park charges $17 for that sucker! And you'll spend the whole trip listening to the kids whine that they want one because they see everyone else with one! Pack your own bottles of water. Stick a change of clothes in a zip lock bag in your back pack just in case. They also do thorough searches prior to entering the parks as part of post-911 security. So just be ready to put everything on the table to be inspected.